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venusorbits · 2 years ago

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Talented, brilliant, incredible, amazing, show stopping, spectacular, never the same, totally unique, completely not ever been done before, unafraid to reference or not reference, put it in a blender, shit on it, vomit on it, eat it, give birth to it.

FIC RECO BY JASMINE🪐

the other woman; wonwoo x fem!reader // mingyu x fem!reader

request: Hey do you write seventeen angst? Idk if you are still doing requests but I was hoping you can write a dramatic angst using either Joshua, Hoshi, Wonwoo, Mingyu, or Minghao, Vernon but two of them as leads. Idk why I’m a sucker for cliche stuff like cheating or betraying kind of stuff and a touch of sadness.

synopsis: you're married to wonwoo, but his parents desperately wants him to have a child - which you cannot have. he gives into his parents wishes and meets the other woman, whom he eventually agrees to marry as well. you're left heartbroken for a few years, seeing the man you love build a family that you had always wanted, but happiness is on the horizon as you meet someone new.

a/n: obviously, this is fictional - but i just want to make it clear that i don't think that his dad is an asshole.. and please do tell me if you want a part two!!

cw: swearing, implied smut (no smut actually written)

genre: angst, fluff, found family

word count: 9.5k

the characters are aged up for plot reasons :)

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the blinds were closed, but morning light still found it's way to peek through. the sun rays managed to hit your face, peeling your eyes open. as your eyelids fluttered open, you found yourself looking at your gorgeous husband laying in front of you. the covers were secured under his arms, but his bare skin still showed. you reached your hands out to him, wanting to get as close as possible. after a quick peck to his forehead, you looked at him again. his hair wasn't as messy as it used to be when he woke up. you assumed it was because he had time to let his hair dry after his shower before getting into bed last night. there were deep circles under his eyes. he had been working late frequently this past week, but today you had him all to yourself. "good morning, love.", he muttered and pulled you closer to his chest. you said it back with a content smile. he smelled of laundry detergent, and the body wash you told him you liked once - ever since then he's been using it religiously. wonwoo kissed the top of your head and gently squeezed your body with his arms. "would you mind getting me my glasses?", he asked kindly. wonwoo let go of you, letting you reach for the bedside table and getting the round frames for him. he put them on as soon as you gave them to him, and looked at you. "now i can properly see you...", he chuckled, "thank you, beautiful." you leaned down and gave him a kiss before getting out of bed. he had gotten home late last night, as usual, and hadn't seen the night gown you had put on. it was the short silk slip he had bought you a few weeks ago. you could feel his eyes on you. "wait no, come back!", he laughed and grabbed your arm. he pulled you back into bed, his arms embracing your torso from behind. his strong arms had yours locked in place, and he took the chance to plant as many tickling kisses along your neck as he could. "you didn't tell me you were wearing this...", he smiled against your skin. "i never got the chance.", you answered with a grin, "do you like it?" "of course i do...", he kissed your cheek again before letting you go. you sat down beside him, looking at him lovingly. he stole another kiss from you before getting up. "do you want coffee?", he asked. "always.", you nodded and followed him out to the kitchen.

you sat on the kitchen island, watching your husband work on making you the perfect cup of coffee. he was wearing the pajama pants that you loved so much, and a shirt you had gotten him for his birthday a few years ago. "you don't have to go to work today either, right?", he asked. "i called them last night to tell them i wouldn't be.", you nodded. "i bet the kids will be disappointed.", he looked over at you with a small smile. you were a kindergarten teacher, and happened to be many kids' favorite teacher. there was no need for you to work if you so wished, as wonwoo made enough for the both of you. however, you had been working there since before you met him and quite enjoyed it. maybe one day you would quit, but not any time soon. "i'm sure they can go one day without seeing me.", you said. wonwoo walked up to you and gave you a cup of coffee, just how you liked it. you took a sip and instant relief flooded your body. "is it any good?", he asked. "it's perfect.. thank you, baby.", you muttered and gave him a quick kiss. he smiled against your lips, and went back to make himself a cup.

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the day went on quicker than it should have. when you were preparing to go to dinner with wonwoo's father, you found yourself trying to find every excuse to make it take a bit longer to get ready. just as wonwoo was doing the same. "we don't have to have dinner with him, you know?", he said as he buttoned up his white shirt. "but we should.", you said and brought him his tie, "you don't meet your parents very often." "you don't think there's a reason for that?", he chuckled. you shook your head at his comment and helped him tie his tie. you hadn't even gotten in your dress yet, you were still in one of wonwoo's t-shirts. wonwoo grabbed your wrists and got you to stop helping him tie it. "thank you, sweetheart, but i think you should get going with putting your dress on.", he said with a knowing smile. you nodded, pressing a kiss to his cheek before moving on. wonwoo looked himself in the mirror, realizing that you had left a red lipstick mark on his cheek. you giggled as you ran over the the closet. "... where do you keep your make up wipes?", he sighed. "bathroom.", you said as you reached for your dress.

after he came back from the bathroom, you had finished putting your grey dress on. it wasn't what you were used to. "could you help me zip it up?", you sighed and turned your back to wonwoo. he gently helped you with the zipper in the back of the dress, trapping you in the uncomfortable piece of clothing. your slight frown didn't go unnoticed by your husband. "i know you don't like it.", he said calmly, "but it's just for a night." his dad wasn't very fond of you, and so you resorted to dressing as he would want you to dress whenever you saw him. your usual colorful closet turned into monotone fabrics. "it's fine.", you lied, "at least he won't comment on my clothes tonight... thanks for helping me find this." "anything for you.", he smiled at you in the mirror, "although i do like your colorful dresses more." you turned around to face him with a mischievous grin. "i'm wearing the light blue lingerie set.", you said with a giggle. "you're telling me that before we even go out?", he groaned, "you'll be the death of me, y/n."

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"i'm just suggesting an alternative.", wonwoo's dad said calmly. you had been zoning out ever since he decided to talk about you with wonwoo right in front of your face. sadly, his mom couldn't make it to the dinner - she was a nice woman, who most of the time took your side. however, she was a busy woman, so she couldn't attend and help you tonight. it was no secret to the jeon family that you couldn't have children. many attempts had been made, and you had gone to an immense amount of doctor's appointments. in the end, it led to nothing. that is the reason why wonwoo's dad disliked you. it wasn't because of your colorful wardrobe, he didn't mind that before knowing that you couldn't make them an heir. the jeon family's business had been passed down through generations. if wonwoo didn't get an heir, the family company stops at him. "an alternative? like adoption?", wonwoo asked. "no, not adoption - then it's not our genes.", his father said. usually you would interject at these sort of statements. working at the day care had made you witness many different family situations, including ones were the child was adopted. therefore, you couldn't stand it when people spoke in that manner. however, this was different - because he would certainly not listen to you. "i mean... you get a mistress who can birth the child for you.", the dad shrugged as he continued eating. your heart sank. "a surrogate, right?", wonwoo asked and took your hand under the table. "well...", his dad started, "... i was thinking thinking... maybe this relationship wasn't meant to be if y/n-" you stood up, the chair falling down behind you. this was enough. "i'm sorry mr. jeon, but if you are going to speak of me, could you at least acknowledge my presence in the room?", you spoke with a cold tone. "oh, i didn't mean to offend-" "but you did. i'll take my leave.", you said, "i hope you have a great rest of your evening." there was nothing more you could say, especially not when you felt tears welling up in your eyes. you grabbed your bag and stormed out of the restaurant.

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"y/n, please could we just talk about what happened.", wonwoo tried to reason with you as you went into the apartment. "he wants you to officially cheat on me, wonwoo.", you sighed as you took off your heels, "and then had the guts to say that to my fucking face! there's nothing more to say!" "my father just wants me to have a child-" "oh my god, are you siding with him right now!?", you stopped dead in your tracks and stared at him, "i'm so fucking sorry that my body can't produce a fucking son for you." "that's not what i'm saying, y/n...", he sighed and pinched his nose, "maybe we should talk this over later." "wonwoo.", you were almost crying out of frustration, "i have been trying to get pregnant for almost two years now. it is hard for me, and him saying that hurts. i want to make a family with you, more than anything - but i can't, okay? his 'suggestion' is not on the table if you're going to stay married to me. we've tried to convince him that we could get a surrogate, but he didn't want that. it is so fucking obvious that he just wants me to leave you, so if you even try to reason with him... i don't know you anymore." you started walking to the bedroom and gathered a few of your things. "where are you going?" "i'm staying at my mom's place for a few days. i need to be alone.", you sniffled. "but we should talk this out-", he tried to reach for you. "don't touch me!", you shrieked, "... i don't want you to touch me right now... i just have to be alone."

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you were lucky enough that your mom lived within a train ride from your apartment. after texting her on the way there, she welcomed you in with open arms. she made you a cup of tea and asked you to sit down on the couch and tell her everything. once you did, she was practically fuming. "that is the most heartless thing i have ever heard!", she exclaimed. "it's alright mom...", you said, "i'm going to talk it through with wonwoo later, and then we could speak to his father about it." "he's being a jerk too, you know.", your mom sighed. "wonwoo?", you scoffed, "what? no... he hasn't done anything." "that's the problem, honey.", your mom said, "he should've stood up for you when his dad said those things." "... i'm sorry, i kind of just want to go to bed now.", you excused yourself from the situation and went to sleep.

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after a few days of being at your mom's place, still going to work and acting as if everything was fine, you decided to go back home. you called wonwoo before leaving. "y/n?", he spoke quietly. "i'll be home when you get off work.", you answered coldly, "we should talk." "yes, of course... we should.", he sighed, "i'll see you at home." "bye, hon-" he hung up before you could say another word. there was no doting, no nicknames, no sweet talk. you felt a dark pit grow in your stomach... this couldn't be good.

it wasn't good. when you met wonwoo again he spoke to you in his professional voice, the one that was only used for clients and his employees. he put out his suggestions of what to do next: take a break, hear his father out, and maybe even get a divorce. when you started crying his character begun to break. "i'm really sorry y/n.", he said sadly, "... this isn't what i want either." "then why are you doing this?", you sobbed. "i'm doing it for my mother.", he admitted, "my acting out will only affect her image, considering she's seen as the one who raised me." "what about us?", you asked, "was this all for nothing?" "no, y/n.", he put his hands on top of yours, "i'll get an heir - a legitimate heir - and then i'll divorce their mom... so that i can come back to you." you took your hands away from him and rested your head in your palms. "you're absolutely insane if you think that'll work.", you sniffled. "i'm only insane about you.", he said and took away your hands from your face.

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the plan started out smoothly. you signed divorce papers and got the whole ordeal settled. wonwoo let you keep the apartment, promising to come back there as soon as it was possible. was this plan morally correct? hell no, but it was the only option you seemed to have.

wonwoo met up with the woman that his father had arranged for him. her name was gyeong-hui, she was a nice woman at the age of twenty-seven and looked great. you obviously got nervous at these details, but wonwoo tried to assure you that it wouldn't change a thing. but of course it did. your hour long phone calls every night got shorter and less frequent. after their wedding, a few months after your divorce, they almost never happened at all... and when they announced her pregnancy, another few months after the wedding, you got your last call. "i'm sorry, but i think it's for the best... i wouldn't want the baby to grow up in such a complicated situation and... and i don't want to hurt gyeong-hui.", wonwoo had told you. he let you keep the apartment, as they moved into a house in the suburbs. wonwoo had always told you how he hated the suburbs, and how he'd much rather live with you in a city apartment than have to raise a big family in a big house in a boring neighborhood. was all of it lies? was all of it just a circumstance? you would never know, he stopped calling.

you wanted to be happy for him. he had always wanted to have a child... a small, but happy, family. although you thought that dream was only possible with you. maybe this was your fault, that you let him go. you couldn't get over it, your heart couldn't take it. you were taking more sick leaves, spending more time at your mother's house. eventually you sold the apartment. you couldn't stand to look at it anymore. as wonwoo had given it to you, you got all of the money for yourself - and it was a lot, since it was an expensive building. it didn't matter in the end, since you never got around to spending it. after that you quit your job, and moved back in with your mom. you never thought that would ever happen again.

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"here.", your mom handed you her phone. you were at the kitchen table, eating breakfast in the form of cereal. after a quick glance at her phone you looked back at her. "a cottage?", you asked with a slight chuckle. "it's your aunt's cottage.", she sat down in front of you, "it's in a beautiful forest, with a running, clear, lake... i think you should go there." "you're kicking me out to go see nature?", you kept digging in your bowl of cereal. "... y/n, you know i love to have you home - but not under these conditions.", she sighed, "you're falling apart, i want you to try to enjoy yourself." "and a cabin in the woods will help me do that?" "it's not the only cottage there, you'll definitely meet other people.", your mom explained, "and if you don't want to see anyone, you have the cottage to yourself - your aunt isn't using it at the moment." "i don't know.", you walked over to the sink to do the dishes. "think about it, honey?", she asked. "i will, mom."

that's how you ended up in the middle of a forest. you thought you were done with sulking, and that nature would bring you peace. you thought wrong. nature only brings you bugs. however, you didn't want to go home because you sensed that the reason your mom sent you here is partially because she needed to be alone. so you had to live here for two weeks. at least the cottage looked nice. it was made with yellow brick and had a dark roof. you assumed the roof was originally black, but time had taken it's toll. ivy had made it's way up the yellow walls, and it fit in nicely with the well-grown garden. the windows were big, and some of them were with painted glass. you would definitely get use of your dreamy fairytale-dresses by simply walking around the premise of the home. the lake your mom spoke of also seemed amazing. the water was clear as day, and you could even see the bottom. the two-story cottage would maybe suffice for two weeks.

your presence in the cottage didn't go unnoticed by your neighbors. the forest apparently had a large population of old people, who lived out their retired dreams here. the first day, while you made yourself at home, three elderly people came knocking at your door. you greeted them nicely and promised you wouldn't disturb, as well as telling them that you would only be staying for around two weeks. the next day you got two new visitors - and you started growing tired of the chit-chat. so when a third person came to your door on the second day, you opened it with a tired expression. "hi, i'm mingyu.", it was the most gorgeous man you had ever seen. he was tall, golden-tan skin, black, thick, hair, and he had the sweetest smile. "y/n.", you shook his hand with a smile, "you... uh... you live here?" "oh, no- i'm helping my parents fix up their cottage." he explained, "i didn't recognize the car, so i thought i would stop by." "right, right... you probably know my aunt, this is her place, and i'm just staying here for two weeks.", you explained, "i guess you could call it vacation." "you guess?", he questioned with a confused smile. "well... i don't feel like getting into it, i'll probably bore you to death.", you chuckled, "just know i won't bother you, i'll probably just stay in here for the two weeks. "oh, i don't think you could bother me.", he said with his charming smile, "actually... if you're feeling a bit claustrophobic in here later, my next-door neighbor is holding a small barbecue." "they don't know me, so maybe not... i would feel like i was intruding.", you tried to get out of going to this dinner, even though he was very handsome you still didn't want to mingle. "not at all! you know what? come with me, and then i'll just say that you're my plus one.", mingyu seemed to insist on you going. damn you for being so handsome... "... alright.", you nodded, "when is it?"

so there you were, getting ready in the mirror. you hadn't made yourself feel pretty in a while. whenever you used to dress up it would be for an event with wonwoo... now it didn't feel the same. however, you didn't want to give your aunt a bad rep for having a lazy niece, so you decided to put in a little effort. you wore a long, light blue, linen dress with small flowers on it. it was simple, but it was all you could muster.

when mingyu knocked at your door you were quick to open it. he was wearing a light blue linen button-up and light-brown pants. "... we match.", he commented. "we do.", you agreed with a chuckle, "you look great." "so do you.", he smiled, "shall we?" "yeah, let me just grab something...", you walked into the kitchen and grabbed a bottle of rosé that you had been planning on giving the neighbors, "do people still give gifts to the host?" "i think it's sweet.", mingyu looked closer at the bottle, "and this isn't bad stuff either." "well, you can thank...", you started, but stopped when you realized that it was wonwoo that gave you your current taste in wine. "who do i thank?", mingyu gave you a curious look. "... the girl in the store.", you said, "sorry, i zoned out. let's go!"

you and mingyu approached a red brick house, with a neatly taken care of garden. there was a wonderful smell of somebody making something on a grill, that you hadn't smelled in forever. you wondered if wonwoo's new family held barbecues like these... "you okay?", mingyu asked. "oh... yeah.", you nodded. mingyu opened the white gate for you, and you stepped inside. in the garden sat a few elderly couples, as well as some younger along with their small children. you felt like you were about to puke... this was a bad idea. "you know what? maybe i should go.", you told mingyu, who was still holding the gate open. "but you've only just gotten here.", he raised his eyebrows. "i'm so sorry... i think i ate something bad earlier, please give them this bottle for me.", you gave him a painful smile and hurried back to your cottage.

in the tiny cottage, you made some instant noodles and sat down in front of your computer to watch a movie. the dress was laying on your, awkwardly big, bed and you had instead changed into pajamas. the room was a weird green color, and the wooden floor creaked as you walked across it. you were uncomfortable, and this was a horrible idea. it didn't matter that your neighbor was the hottest guy you had ever seen, you wanted to go home... which is why you decided to pack after you finished your mediocre dinner.

your car's trunk stood open as you put in your baggage into it. it was early morning, that was when you thought nobody could watch you leave... you were, of course, wrong. "hey there, neighbor.", mingyu jogged by. "you jog?", you asked in disbelief. "i try to do it every morning here, it's really beautiful this early in the day.", he flashed you a smile, "are you leaving already?" "i am.", you sighed. "you didn't even get to take a dip in the lake. is it something urgent?", he asked. "you ask a lot of questions." "you make me want to ask more.", he said flirtatiously, "why are you leaving?" "because i can't stand to see happy people.", you said as you put in another bag into your car. mingyu raised a quizzical brow, and an amused smile played on his lips. you gave up on trying to be mysterious and keep quiet about your life. he looked more than happy to hear you out, so why not? "... you know what, i haven't gotten to talk about this with anyone but my mom...", you turned to him with a sudden confidence, "if you want to keep asking questions you could come have some tea, i'll tell you whatever you want." "sure."

you spilled your guts to a stranger. you told him of your relationship, wonwoo's dad, the plan, the divorce, and the fact that his new wife was so nice that you couldn't even hate her. "that's a lot.", his eyebrows were furrowed. "and when i saw those happy couples i guess i couldn't take it.", you said and finished your tea, "so that's all you need to know." "i see.", mingyu nodded, "and now you're leaving?" "yup.", you took your mug and put it beside the sink, "my mom thought this would be therapeutic, it was just a nuisance." "... but therapy is a bit uncomfortable in the beginning, isn't it?", mingyu said, "and therapy doesn't help unless you actually want to try it." he was right, and you hated it. "well, i don't want to be uncomfortable.", you sighed. "but you want to get better." "of course." "let me help.", he offered, "you're supposed to be here for two weeks, right?" "how would you help me?" "i guess... just make sure you have a nice time.", he gave you an innocent smile. "... fine.", you nodded, "... would you mind helping me bring my bags back inside?"

that day, mingyu offered to take you swimming in the lake. he said it was the most therapeutic thing he had ever done. you questioned if he really knew how therapy worked, but didn't say anything to him. you met with him by the beautiful lake later in the day. it was a bit further away from all the houses, and shielded by many big trees. you wore a swimsuit you hadn't gotten the chance to wear in a while, but you felt a bit exposed and opted to put a t-shirt over it. "you swim in clothes?", mingyu asked as he walked up next to you. of course he's ripped... he was only wearing swimming trunks, showing off his very muscular torso - that was just as golden brown as his face was the first time you had seen him. there was no way you could keep your eyes off him. "eyes up here, lady.", he chuckled. he definitely knows what he's doing. "i just didn't walk over here half naked.", you explain yourself and look away from him, with much effort. without another word, mingyu started walking into the lake and looked back at you expectantly. with a sigh you took off the shirt and got in yourself. the water was cool, but not freezing. you took a deep breath and felt every muscle in your body relax. "it's nice, right?", he asked with a grin. "so nice.", you kept your eyes closed, "i feel like i'm breathing for the first time in a while." it was quiet for a while. you heard bird song, the wind rustling the leaves, the low noice of some people talking far away, and the water ripple. like the softest silk, the lake gently caressed your bare legs. you took another deep breath. "i'll show you a nice spot, c'mon.", mingyu broke you out of your thoughts.

the two of you swam towards some rocks, where a waterfall had formed. hanging in a tree, was a wooden swing, right above the waterfall. "i made that when i was a teenager.", he pointed at it, "if we're lucky, it's not completely ruined with age." "wait, how old are you?", you asked. "i'm twenty-eight.", he said. "really? you look much younger.", you said, "i'm twenty-eight, too." "we already have so much in common, y/n.", he joked.

mingyu helped you up on the rocks, and you dipped your toes in the small waterfall and watched the water curve around your foot. "do you want to try the swing?", he asked. "only if you try it first.", you chuckled. you watched as mingyu carefully got on the swing, tensing up your muscles for the anticipation that he'd fall off. he didn't. "it's fine!", he looked back on you. his toned back moved entrancingly as he jumped off the swing, into the deep water of the lake below. you gasped, terrified that he had accidentally hit the rocks on the way down. when his head appeared on the surface again, he slicked back his hair and gave you a bright smile. "are you okay?", you asked. "i'm great!", he replied with a goofy grin as he started to climb back up to you, "your turn." "oh no, i'm not doing that.", you chuckled. "but you have to, it's a part of my therapy for you.", he said in a matter-of-fact manner. "how is jumping to my death therapy?", you asked. "well, it's either that or i surprise you by randomly throwing you in the lake at some point during the day.", he shrugged, "the fun part is that you won't know that it's happening." "you're ruthless.", you groaned, "i'll get on the fucking swing."

mingyu helped you onto the swing, carefully holding you by your waist. it felt nice, especially after a little more than a year of no intimacy. "alright, you have to get out a bit before you jump.", he said. you hummed in response. mingyu gently pushed on your lower back, setting the swing in motion. you looked down and found a place where you could jump. after a bit of swinging, feeling the wind in your hair, you jumped - aiming for the safe spot. lucky for you, you managed to hit the water and not a rock. "i did it!", you shouted as you came up to the surface again. "you did it!", mingyu happily shouted back.

after a long day of swimming you sat down by the shore where you had gotten in. you had found your shirt hanging on the branch you left it on, and you quickly put it on as soon as it got a bit cold. the two of you watched the lake go from blue to pink to deep purple. "i had a nice time.", you admitted. "you don't regret not going home?", he asked. "definitely not.", you chuckled, "i think i would just make my mom more disappointed... i'm twenty-eight, living at home." a groan escaped your lips and you laid down in the fluffy grass. mingyu looked over at you with a sad smile. "well, i think your situation is a bit special.", he said. "'a bit special' is code for fucking weird.", you responded. "well, yeah. it is fucking weird.", he nodded, "but so are most things." you looked at him, and he gave you a quick wink before standing up. "i'm going back home, i have some work to get done on the house.", he stretched up his arms, "i'm thinking about having a barbecue in a few days, you should come give it another shot." "i'll think about it.", you said, "thanks for today."

the next day it rained. it was unexpected, but not unappreciated. mingyu was apparently a very hardworking person, who didn't waver when facing rain during a run. you watched him run past while looking through one of the big windows on the cottage, standing in just a night slip. he looked over at you, his eyebrows slightly raised, and waved at you. you waved back, and walked over to the kitchen. maybe you had a bit of a crush on your temporary neighbor.

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a week passed, and there was another week left of your stay. you kept bumping into mingyu no matter what you ended up doing. for that first week he had shown you the lake, taken you on a forest hike, introduced you to all of your other neighbors, and come over to your place to make you dinner. that's where you were at the moment. you were sitting on one of the bar stools in the kitchen, watching mingyu make you dinner. "you're good at everything, aren't you?", you sighed as you watched him perfectly cut up vegetables. L'appuntamento by Ornella Vanoni was playing in the background, and you found yourself wishing that this could happen more often. "well, i can cook", he nodded, "but i wouldn't say i know how to do everything." "what can't you do, then?", you asked. "i can't paint.", he answered, "which is an issue... i need to paint the walls in the house tomorrow, and i think i might just fuck it up." "it's just the walls, i'm sure it'll be fine.", you leaned your elbows against the counter. "i don't think so.", he shook his head with a smile. "let me help you then", you said, "as thanks for this dinner." "go ahead, i won't complain.", mingyu said.

after dinner and a movie, you found yourself in the kitchen again - this time doing the dishes. mingyu was standing right beside you, helping you out. "i hate that this place doesn't have a dishwasher.", you groaned. "doing the dishes can be nice.", mingyu shrugged. his arm was touching yours, but you didn't move. you liked standing so close to him, and you were currently fighting the urge to lean your head against his shoulder. "i think it's tiring.", you said. "not in good company.", he retorted, "like this, this is nice." "i'm glad that i can be good company.", you found yourself smiling at his comment. "you've been good company all week. even if you've distracted me from the thing i was actually supposed to be doing.", he chuckled. "i think it's only fair that i take up a bit of your time", you said, "since your the one who asked me to stay here." you were teasing him, but mingyu didn't react to it like you thought he would. "i guess you're right.", he said, "i'm glad i did." you looked over at him, he was looking at you. there was something in his eyes that seemed different. you put away the last of the dirty dishes and leaned against the counter. it was so quiet, you could hear the owls deep in the forest. mingyu's eyes darted to your lips, and then back to your eyes. you were still so very close, but he leaned in closer. you put your hand on his shoulder to keep yourself stable. one of mingyu's hands was gently placed on your waist, as the other one cupped your face. his eyes kept looking deep into yours as your forehead leaned against his. your noses softly bumped together, before mingyu tilted his head and kissed you. he brought you in closer to him by your waist, and you let out a delighted hum and smiled against his lips. your hands moved from his shoulders to the nape of his neck as the kiss deepened... but just as it got good he pulled away with a big grin on his face. "what was that for?", you muttered as you tried to catch your breath. "i just had to see your face.", he said smoothly and gently caressed his thumb over your cheek. you pushed away a few hairs that were hanging over his forehead, and your hands went back to his shoulders. before he could say another word, you had leaned in and kissed him again. in the middle of your kiss, he brought his hands down to the back of your thighs and lifted you up on the counter. your hands cradled his face as he stood between your legs, with his hands gently placed on your thighs - stroking his palms up and down in slow motions. you pulled away, letting your lips stay a few inches from his face. "i'm not dreaming, am i?", you asked. "i hope not.", he answered, and went back to kissing you. his lips moved against yours slowly, taking his time. you hadn't felt this in so long, and it felt so nice to be intimate with someone again... but in the back of your mind you couldn't help but to think about wonwoo. you pulled away again and looked at mingyu. "i'm sorry...", you whispered. "are you okay? do you want me to stop?", he asked with a worried tone. "no... well, maybe for now...", you put your hands back on his shoulders, "it's just been a while since i did this, i'm sorry." "you have nothing to apologies for, y/n.", he said, "i don't mind, we can stop." "are you sure?" "i don't want to kiss someone who's not up for it.", he chuckled, "we can get back to this another time, hm?" "yeah... yeah.", you nodded.

mingyu helped you off the counter and gave you yet another reassuring smile. as the two of you walked to the front door, you started feeling worse about stopping him. maybe this was all you needed to feel better and you just ruined it for yourself? "oh, and don't feel bad about this.", mingyu said as he was putting on his shoes, "i really liked it while it lasted... and this just means that i have a reason to do it again." you let out a small laugh at his comment, but you weren't even able to look him in the eye. this was embarrassing. "are you still up for helping me paint tomorrow?" "oh, right.", you nodded, "uh... yeah, i'll come by your place some time after lunch." as soon as he closed the door behind him, you crumbled to the floor. there was a part of you that really believed that you had ruined this now. a black hole was growing in your chest. you really liked him, but you still couldn't get the image of wonwoo out of your brain. maybe this was your life now, finding new people but being cock-blocked by someone who wasn't even in the room... someone who didn't care about you anymore. if he had been able to move on, why couldn't you? it had been a year since you took off your wedding ring and signed the divorce papers. it had been half a year since wonwoo last called. you had deleted his contact from your phone, afraid that you would give in and call him on a whim. you couldn't sink so low. there was nothing more to do than accept that you had been the other woman. if alternate dimensions existed, you wished that at least one of them let you stay with wonwoo - or that the plan could've gone through. you wished that you never got to know that gyeong-hui was a kind and gentle woman. you wished that she would've been a bitch... but she wasn't, you had no reason to hate her - she didn't drag your husband away from you, she was just a pawn in a game. you got up from the floor and made your way to your bedroom.

the next day you dressed up in clothes that you didn't mind if they got paint splatters on them. you had decided to just forget about the night before and get this paint job over with. when you got to mingyu's cottage he had already started painting, which was evident by the white paint all over him. "you know you're supposed to paint the wall and not yourself, right?", you laughed as you walked inside. "very funny...", he sighed and closed the door behind you, "i got paint on my face when opening the can, the rest is just brush accidents." "give me a paint roller, picasso.", you chuckled.

together, you got the job done quicker than expected. it was hard work, and in the small and warm room you were sweating buckets. if you could jump into an ice bath right now, you would. "do you think we're done?", you asked. you looked over at mingyu, who was also sweating profusely. he was lifting up his paint roller for one last missed spot on the wall. you watched as his toned arms flexed. the tank top that he was wearing didn't help your thoughts from going absolutely wild. "i think so.", he nodded, "... now we just have to clean up." he was looking at the many newspapers on the floor, protecting it from white paint, but you were still only staring at him. any sentimental thought you had the day before had flown through the window. you were too hot, too tired, and too turned on to think about anything else other than mingyu. "y/n, are you okay?", he dragged you out of your daydreams of him taking you on the couch in the corner of the room. "i'm just tired.", you stuttered out. "do you want some water or something? you look flushed.", he approached you, and you did your best to not back up against the wet wall. mingyu held the back of his hand against your forehead. it was much colder than your skin, and you felt like you could melt against it. you closed your eyes, and a pleased sigh escaped your lips. "are you sure you're okay there, darling?", he asked with a small smile. "you know what... i was going to act like nothing happened yesterday, but i need us to resume whatever we were doing back then right now.", you looked him dead in the eye. "but i don't want to push you-" "you're not pushing me...", you took a deep breath, "please?" you didn't have to say another word before his lips were on yours again.

mingyu was laying beside you in his bed, you had your head on his chest - his heart beat was finally calming down. "so...", he trailed off. "yeah.", you breathed out. the two of you laid there in silence. despite having shared a very intimate moment together, there wasn't anything to say. "do you need anything?", he muttered. "... maybe i should go to the bathroom.", you nodded and sat up, "you... it was... nice." you stared at each other for a while, before breaking out into awkward laughter. you pulled the sheets up to cover you chest. suddenly you felt so vulnerable. "do you want me to get you a shirt or something?", he asked. you hummed in response. mingyu got up and handed you a shirt from his closet, which you quickly pulled over your head. "thanks.", you got up and went to his bathroom. "y/n.", he said before you could go inside, "do you want to stay over for dinner?" "... sure.", you nodded.

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you kept seeing mingyu intimately for the rest of your last week. it was nice to be able to have that relationship with someone again, and you had definitely hit the jackpot in terms of rebounds. it wasn't just that he was insanely attractive, but there was something sweet about everything that he did. through all of his actions, you could tell that he cared for you.

it was the last day of your stay at your aunts cottage. your things were neatly packed up, except for one dress - which you were going to wear at the barbecue mingyu was hosting tonight. it was the same dress you had put on last time, and mingyu had promised to wear the same thing he wore then too - to make it seem like the first time never actually happened. when you approached his gate that evening, you could already hear people laughing and talking in the backyard. you swallowed whatever nerves were keeping you from going inside, and opened the gate. "y/n, hi!", mingyu said happily and gave you a hug. "do i look okay?", you whispered in his ear. "trust me, if it weren't for the amount of people here i would-" you slapped his shoulder before he could finish his sentence. he grinned at you, and you went on to greet the other guests.

at the end of the night, you were the last guest there. you were helping mingyu clean up. much like a few days ago, you were standing beside each other while doing the dishes. "this was nice.", you admitted, "thanks." "it was my pleasure.", he put down the last of the dishes, "it's your last day here, isn't it?" "it is.", you nodded, "are you staying longer?" "just a few more days, i still have some things to finish patching up.", he sighed, "i'll be lonely without you, darling." you looked at him with flirtatious smile before going back to focusing on the dishes. mingyu gently pushed your hair to let it fall over one of your shoulders. he took his place behind you and wrapped his arms around your waist. at first he was only leaning his chin against your shoulder, but then he began placing loving kisses up your neck to your jaw. "what are you doing?", you giggled. "i thought i should give you one last present before you leave.", you could feel him smile against your skin. you dried your hands on a towel nearby and turned around in his embrace. his eyes almost made him look like a lovesick puppy as he looked down on you. your fingertips graced his jaw, and you cupped his face gently before bringing him in for a kiss. "be my guest.", you muttered against his lips.

you woke up to see his bare back facing you. without realizing it, your fingers gently caressed his skin right where his neck met his shoulders. mingyu stirred in his sleep, and you quickly pulled your hand back. you could stare at his back like this all day. the truth is, you were falling for him. every time you kissed him it just felt right, but you still felt the need to try it over and over again - just to see if it was real. he made you nervous, in the best of ways. he made you laugh until you cried. more importantly, he made you feel loved. it felt too much like it did with wonwoo. it broke your heart, but you had to leave. your things were already packed in the back of your car, you had never given him your phone number, and there was no way he could ever meet you again. you recognized this path all too well, and you couldn't be the other woman for a second time. as you kissed mingyu's shoulder, you said goodbye - and you left without a trace.

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you got home to an empty house in the early afternoon. there was no going back now, you had to build yourself up again. the traveling bags stayed in your car, and you started looking for apartments right away. thanks to the amount of money left over from selling your old apartment, you were able to find a nice rental apartment in a good neighborhood. it was smaller than your last, but had beautiful, big, windows - much like your aunt's cottage. there was one bedroom, a kitchen attached to a smaller living room, and a gorgeous bathroom. it was all you ever wanted. of course, the money wouldn't last forever - you had to get a job. you weren't ready to give up your old life completely, and looked for a job at a prestigious primary school that was situated near your apartment. it wouldn't be like the kindergarten, you would have to work a bit harder, but it would be enough. lucky for you, one of their teachers had just quit - and you got the job.

everything was going your way; you had your own apartment, you had a pretty good job, and you had made it all on your own. maybe it was destiny. what if the whole thing with your ex-husband was meant to be? so that you could be independent, so that you could be happy. however, there was no way you could deny the fact that you missed mingyu. you felt bad for what you did, but for some reason you found it necessary.

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after a year of living your new life, you had developed a routine. every morning you woke up around six am. you got up, made yourself a quick breakfast, got in the shower for a few minutes before getting dressed, and then finally leaving for work. there was only one station between you and the school, you could walk there if you wanted to. today it was raining, so you opted for the metro. while standing in the crowded train that morning you heard a familiar voice calling your name. "y/n?", wonwoo whispered out. you looked up at him with wide eyes. he looked tired, new-parent-tired. as you realized that he really was in front of you and that it wasn't your imagination, you quickly bowed your head in a greeting before turning around.

the two of you got off at the same station, and wonwoo stopped you before you could escape up the escalator. "y/n, how have you been?", he asked with a small smile. "i'm good...", you answered, "i got a new job at the primary school around here." "oh, really? i heard it's quite a distinguished school.", he said. "it is, the kids are great.", you nodded, "... how have you been? how is gyeong-hui?" "oh... uhm.. she's great... we're actually expecting again. we've been trying our best to handle her pregnancy while take care of our little girl.", he pulled out his phone, "it's tough, but it's worth it." he showed you his lockscreen. it was a picture of gyeong-hui holding a baby. she looked happy, and the baby was the cutest you had ever seen. "she's beautiful.", you said and looked back up at him, "she has your eyes." "a lot of people have said that.", he nodded with a small smile, "... i wanted to apologize, y/n." "apologize?", you raised an eyebrow. "for how everything turned out.", he looked down at his shoes, "i'm really sorry.." "it's alright-", you suddenly felt embarrassed and the words came pouring out of your mouth without a second thought, "i've actually been seeing someone new." "really?", wonwoo's eyebrows raised as he looked back at you, "good for you. who's the lucky guy?" "his name is... mingyu.", you smiled, "... we met about a year ago." "i hope it works out for you.", he said, "and i hope i get to meet the guy some time." "for sure!", you said, "listen, i really have to get to my students... it was nice meeting you again!" you said good-bye and swiftly left the station with a flushed face. you had no idea why you had decided to lie. there was a very big chance that you would never meet him again, which would mean that you wouldn't have to show him your "new boyfriend". the lie had made you think of mingyu again, and how it would've been if you had waited for him to wake up that morning. maybe he would've turned around and hugged you close, making some comment about how he forgot to close the blinds the night before. then you would've had breakfast together, and before you left to go home he would've asked for your number. then you would maybe be living with him in an apartment now, just the two of you in a cozy condo.

the rest of the day went as it normally did. you taught second and third graders today, helping them with spelling and reading. at the end of the day, you were waiting for their parents to pick them up. the school had a system where a teacher had to make sure that the people who picked up their kids had their name on a list. usually, you would chat with the caretakers of each kid while they got ready to leave. for some reason, it had become your favorite part of the day - except when the parents were rude, of course. there were only two kids left in the class you were watching over now, a pair of twin girls named ji-u and ari - last name kim. they were sweet girls, and were doing very well with their studies. their grandparents were usually the ones to pick them up, but they were always on time so the twins being the last in the classroom worried you. "hey girls..", you sat down in front of them while they were painting together, "did your grandpa or grandma tell you that they were going to be late today?" "our dad is picking us up today.", ari said, as she was the more outgoing of the two. "is he always a bit late?", you questioned with a kind smile. "yeah.", ari nodded, "he works a lot." ji-u was very focused on her painting of a red house, and didn't answer. you asked her about it, and she muttered out that it was of her grandparents house in the woods. you wanted to ask her more about it, but somebody came through the open classroom door. "sorry i'm late, girls." you looked over and your entire body froze in fear. it was mingyu, dressed to the nines in an expensive looking suit. he was looking at his watch, but as soon as he looked up his eyes locked with yours. "daddy!", ji-u shouted happily and ran up to him and hugged his leg. mingyu looked away from you to hug his daughters in a greeting. you watched as they spoke about how their day was and how much you had taught them this afternoon. you approached the small family with your list. you looked through it, and beside ji-u and ari's names stood "kim mingyu". "they've behaved well, i hope.", he said, not looking up at you. "oh, they've been wonderful - they always are.", you managed to get out. "i'm glad.", he looked up at you with an awkward smile, "do you have something else to do right now?" "um... no." "would you mind following me out to the car? i would like to talk to you." you could only nod, and take a deep breath before following them out the door.

"you left without a trace to become a primary school teacher?", mingyu asked as soon as the doors to his car were closed. you were in the parking lot of the school. it was dead silent and you could hear your heart beat a mile a minute. "i left because i couldn't commit...", you said, "and apparently i was right to do so! you have kids? were you married this entire time?" "i'm widowed.", he sighed. you felt like you could faint out of embarrassment. how did this day only get worse? "i'm sorry-" "it's fine.", he interrupted you, "i should've told you about ji-u and ari... i was going to eventually." there was a pause. you could cut the tension in the air with a knife. mingyu reached for your hand, but you quickly stepped away. "your kids are in the car.", you said discreetly, "this isn't the place to be discussing these things." he handed you his phone after he had opened a new contact. "i want to talk to you again.", he said. you accepted the phone, quickly typing in your number before handing it back to him. he looked at you, and you had never wanted to kiss someone so badly in your life. "you should go.", you whispered. "i'll call you, okay?", he said as he got into his car.

when you got home that evening, you didn't know whether you should cry or shout out of happiness. all of these random occurrences really made you believe in destiny. to celebrate, you took a hot shower and made yourself a gourmet dinner, in the form of your favorite instant ramen, only to sit down on the couch to watch some bad show on netflix. you were in the middle of a bite when you got a call. the caller-ID was unknown, but you already knew who it was. you quickly turned off the volume on the TV and put the bowl of noodles on the coffee table. "hello?", you answered. "hi, it's mingyu.. is this y/n?", he asked. "it is", you chuckled nervously, "hi." "i just put the girls to bed and... i just wanted to make sure you didn't give me a fake number.", he let out a small laugh. "mingyu, i'm really sorry about walking out on you.", you sighed. "no, i get it - you had your reasons.", he said, "it's not like i was being very nice by not letting you in on the fact that i have kids." "well, we didn't really spend much time talking...", you muttered, and succeeded in making mingyu laugh. "no, you're right. we should meet up again sometime." "we definitely should.", you bit your lower lip to contain your happiness, "maybe for a coffee or something? so that we could actually get to know each other." "that'd be fun.", he said, "i'll have to look in my schedule, i've been pretty busy lately." "oh, is that why your parents are picking up ji-u and ari?", you asked before thinking. "yeah..", he sighed, "i'd love to do it myself, but i almost never have the time. being a single dad is difficult." "i could imagine.", you hummed, "but if it helps, your daughters think the world of you." "thanks, y/n.", you could hear that he was smiling, "i'll try to pick them up more often... are you always there for pick up?" "don't try to change your schedule to come and see me while i'm at work.", you chuckled. "you caught me..", he said. "... i'm in charge of ji-u and ari's class on all days except mondays.", you said, "and i'll be there for their school play next week too." "shit, i forgot about the school play.", he groaned, "you know what? i'll make time for it - i just have to make a few calls..." "i'm sure they'll be very pleased if you show up.", you said with a smile, "those girls have worked extra hard, from what i've heard." you heard a young girl's voice in the background, crying. "sorry, y/n, ari's had a nightmare.", he sighed, "i'll see you soon." "don't forget about the play.", you said. "i won't."

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END OF PART ONE

#Talented #brilliant #incredible #amazing #show stopping #spectacular #never the same #totally unique #completely not ever been done before #unafraid to reference or not reference #put it in a blender #shit on it #vomit on it #eat it #give birth to it #[ venusorbits 🪐. fic reco ]#kim mingyu #kim mingyu x reader

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alisoncdariel · 9 months ago

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Oh wow, Layla, I have so many thoughts.

I will never be able to express exactly how or just how much I felt while reading this, but I can sure as shit try.

This was so heartbreakingly, overwhelmingly beautiful to read. There absolutely should be another Endless named Defiance!! It seems like the most human thing an Endless can embody. She was the perfect personification of what it means to endure. I mean even as she was being beaten to death, she persevered not because she had to, but because that strength is quite literally who she is and is a part of her, just like her love for her brother. (Sorry, these are my own little headcanons. Feel free to disregard.)

The efficacy of using a willow tree as Defiance’s next form was unmatched. I think trees are incredible symbols of resilience and strength, and perseverance, everything that defiance is. The ability to keep standing tall no matter what storm hits; it may lose some leaves and branches, but it is still here. It’s just so interesting that even though Fiddler’s Green left, she’s still there, the only thing for miles that has any color or life left. I thought that it was so beautiful that her roots had spread to every corner of the Dreaming. While everything is crumbling and this realm is dying, Defiance is wallowing (or willowing, am I right?) in guilt because she couldn’t help her closest family member. But, while he’s away, the least she can do is try keep everything together, right? In nature, roots are essential for keeping dirt down and moisture in (ie, the American Dust Bowl, aka the Dirty Thirties). It’s my headcanon that this is why she spread her roots out. Her trying to grow her roots out as far as she can is a testament to her love for her brother. As Dream said in the show, he is the Dreaming and the Dreaming is him. And we know that Defiance may not have powers, but just her presence is enough to make the people around her (like the man on the bridge) want to keep going, keep trying. Perhaps, she was hoping she could influence the fabric of the Dreaming too?

Additionally, I think that because the symbolism of willow trees conveys healing (in part due to it’s medicinal bark), this addition to the story is amazing! Defiance is healing, recovering. She lost a friend and her brother at the same time. She lost her autonomy. So she is doing what she know best: simply persisting. Maybe it’s because I feel such a deep, emotional connection with trees and nature, but I really, really love how you wrote this personified tree. The tree has visible emotions!! Her body has scars and divots and flowers, of which are the only way that Defiance can communicate how she really feels to the world outside of her.

Speaking of communication, the most touching part of this fic (aka when I started crying) was how Morpheus could communicate with her, no problem. I mean of course he could, obviously, I hear you saying. I know that that’s probably obvious, but I still think it’s a breathtaking thing to read about. She was still his sister, no matter what form she’s in, and he could still read her so openly. The two have such a close relationship that Dream didn’t need to guess or try to interpret what her scars and divots and flowers meant. He just knew. The caressing of the flowers and wind, the changing colors, and the creaking bark was astounding, awe-inspiring imagery to be shown.

Once he was back, she could finally come back into her human form and just let it all out. Her transformation back to human reminds me of the feeling of having a weight lifted off your shoulders, also clearly shown in the way that she slumps into her brother and she knows that he’s okay, he’s home.

Holy crap, I’m so sorry for the length of this! Please don’t think this is creepy, I just was completely and absolutely stopped in my tracks while reading this. Thank you for sharing your art with the world, because if you hadn’t, I never would have gotten the gift of experiencing it for the first time. I hope many, many other people also get to feel the same way I did!

This whole comment can be summarized in this:

My Dearest Defiance

Summary: Equal as an Endless, more than a human, yet less than a god. Where did you even belong? The question has haunted you since you first saw humanity rise into power. Now your brother has been kidnapped and you can't do anything to help him.

Notes: ~7.5k words, This fic is a follow-up to this post sent in by the lovely @kpopgirlbtssvt, thank you so much for the idea! I took a few liberties with the plot and I hope that's okay with you!

Warnings: Platonic! Big Brother x little sister! Reader, *side eyes* a lot of angst, violence, physical abuse, heavy mentions of cancer, implied alcohol consumption, minor Dreaming mind-fuckery, death of Reader (you come back...ish), death of characters, comfort in the end :)

Masterlist

Mother Night and Father Time, the first lovers, the everlasting lovers. And it was through their love that the Endless were born. Your eldest brother Destiny came first, birthed in dark cloaks and the book that was named after him. He is in charge of the fate of every being to live.

Every being who has lived must follow the path of this fate and fate always ends in Death, your eldest sister. When Mother and Father realized that the humans must do something while waiting for Death, they birthed your favorite brother, Dream. He is hope, the one who gives the humans courage to stand up for themselves and make do with their lives. Soon, humans wanted more and in succession, the rest of your siblings were born: Destruction, Desire, Despair, and sweet Delight soon to be Delierum.

While every Endless was busy tending to their own realms and their own duties, you were born. Endless in name but not in power. You were the runt of the family, with no realm to call your own, and no responsibilities of your own. Yet here you stood amongst the humans that soon called you Defiance, the human spirit, the resilience to continue despite all odds.

You’re sure your siblings knew of you, certainly enough to be invited to family dinner once every 100 years. Yet you could never shake the feeling of inadequacy when you were sat at the far end, only to be over-talked by everyone. They were discussing important matters, after all, nothing that you had to concern yourself with.

You only find solace in Dream, where no matter how difficult the days get, you may always find a home in his realm. While he is adamant about letting you stay in the castle, you find it more comfortable to live in a cottage at the edge of the realm where the forest meets with the vast unknown and you grow vegetables from the soil you tow. It also allows you to escape to the waking world without Dream knowing.

You love humans, their lives fascinate you to no end. They know of you, just as they know of all of your Endless siblings, but sometimes it just takes a little more for them to realize. You would never push them to admit to your existence and somewhere along the millions of years of existence, you have given up trying to be the center of attention.

To understand humans is to live like them, talk like them, and love like them. Unfortunately, humans are more than that and often succumb to feelings of anger, depression, righteousness, and violence. You try not to associate yourself with those emotions, but it’s innate.

It’s been a few weeks since you stepped foot in Dream’s castle, and who could blame you? The village in which you reside is much more fun than the dreary castle your brother tends to enjoy more. The thick castle wall blocks out the sunlight, it’s filled with dust and smells of wet stones and old books. Not to mention, when Dream was busy, there was no one to talk to. Lucienne was always busy, picking up after her King, and you don’t even want to get started on Mervin.

He’s only nice to you cause you gave him his pumpkin head when his original turnip head started going out of style. Otherwise, it’s cigar smoke being blown into your face and sassy remarks.

You’re out in the market square when you feel the presence of your Endless Sibling. You turn from the flower vendor with a big smile and wave at Dream as he makes his way towards you. The dreams that he created step to the side in the presence of their sovereign.

“Brother!” You exclaim when he gets close enough for you, wrapping one of your arms around his while the woven basket hangs in the other.

The basket was filled with a few apples and a fresh loaf of bread. You were just about to buy a few glass snowdrop flowers before you were pleasantly surprised by Dream.

“How do you do this afternoon, dear sister?” He speaks, leaning into your face to tease you.

You giggle at him as the two of you walk the main road, passing dreams and nightmares alike, a few waving at you in greeting that you return.

“I’m doing great. I was thinking of going to the waking world later today and spending some time with Death, actually.” You respond, your arm leaves Dream’s as a different vendor catches your eyes. They were selling acrylic paints in colors that you haven’t seen since half a century ago.

“Here, hold this,” You say as you hand off your basket to Dream. He does as he’s told and holds the basket, the white paint offputting to his otherwise completely black outfit.

You grab a few jars of paint and can already think of the wonderful things to draw when you get back into your cottage. There was a specific lake nearby that you haven’t been able to do justice to, but you think you finally can with the new color.

A brief conversation of exchange happens between you and the vendor before you turn around. You burst out laughing at the sight before you. Dream stood in the middle of the road where you had first told him to hold your basket and hadn’t moved an inch. His shoulders were stiff and taught as he held your basket as far away from his body as possible.

“It’s not going to bite you, you know!” You practically cackle at him. Your giggles follow you as you carefully place the jars of paint into your basket. You think that you will paint some flowers and ivy onto your basket later tonight.

You go to take the basket back from him but he’s quick to move it away from your grabby hands.

“You specified that I should hold it, so hold it I shall,” He says and holds the basket higher, just out of your reach, when you go to grab at it again.

You huff at his rather stubborn behavior, but he’s been like this since the beginning. He always looks after you and takes care of you. You’re always grateful for it, but you can carry your own basket. You resolve the conversation with a roll of your eyes but the smile on your face stays in place when you turn your back to him.

Dream walks you home, basket now significantly heavier and full of things you didn’t really need. Well, except maybe the paint, it’s good to splurge every once in a while. Your cottage is basked in a warm light as the Dreaming’s sun slowly disappears beyond the horizon to rise in another universe. The pie you had baked this morning had long since cooled and you brought it inside with a hum, your brother still following you.

He set the basket on the simple kitchen table before taking a seat and watching you slice up the pie with a smile. You set the pastry down in front of him and another plate for yourself. The savory apple flavoring takes over the senses when you take the first delicious bite.

“I would like you to come back to the castle soon,” Your brother says as you take another bite.

“Whatever for?” You question, a little bit of apple filling falling out of your mouth. “The cottage is my home.”

Dream sighs but answers anyway. “I will be gone for a moment, I need to take care of a rouge nightmare, and would like you to be cared for while I am away from the Dreaming.”

“How long will you be gone for you to want me to live in that dreadful place?” You make a face as you think about the boring days ahead of you. Well, maybe you can escape to the castle garden if Mervin isn’t paying attention.

“I cannot tell you for I do not know.”

You purse your lips as you think about his request. “Fine,” You groan.

“Best not see Sister Death today.” When you don’t bother with a response he speaks against “Farwell, sister. I will be back soon,” He promises you before standing. You didn’t get the chance to follow him to the door before he leaves, his apple pie still untouched.

“Ugh, how wasteful.” You joke to yourself.

You spend the rest of your evening painting your basket as you had wanted before packing up a few items for the castle. Your basket was a gift from your brother and had an infinite amount of storage. So you managed to shove an extensive amount of your wardrobe, the paints, and some of the freshly baked pastries into the small wooden thing. You set off when the moon was high in the sky and the stars came down from their afternoon nap and danced in the village square.

Their stardust shoes clink like pure jade against the cobblestone road, illuminating the otherwise quiet and sleeping town. A few wave at you, shimmering particles following their movements before they return to their waltz. You wave back to them before continuing on your journey, mindful of where you stepped.

When stars come down to the Dreaming they become transparent and more gaseous than solid but that doesn’t stop them from burning hot. And unless you wanted to recounter that one time you stepped through one and started sneezing and coughing stardust for the next 10 years, you’ll keep your distance - only allowing for their natural light to guide your way out of the village and towards the castle.

By the time you reach the castle, Dream is nowhere to be found and you assume he went out to do what he mentioned earlier that day. Your room was set up for you, Dream obviously had some palace staff tidy up the room as you took a look around the clean environment. Otherwise, everything was in the same place you had left it since the last time you were at the castle. You yawn as you set your basket down by the door. First a good night’s rest, then you can go to the waking world to do your own things.

You sneak out of the castle a few minutes before dawn, the soft bed and good night’s rest giving you the energy you need to do so. You grimace when the door creaks loudly as you slowly open it, smelling the early morning dew on the grass and the warming dawn wind.

“Where are you headed, my dear?” A voice stops you in your tracks. You suck your lips into your mouth as you soon recognize the voice.

“Good morning, Lucienne,” You greet curtly, holding, or rather, hiding, your basket behind your black skirt.

Lucienne gives you a pointed look. “Yes, good morning.”

You give her a smile before stepping back out the door, only to be stopped when she purposefully clears her throat.

“The question?” She presses.

You feign innocence and bat your eyelashes, not that it would work. “What question?”

“Lady Defiance, my Lord specifically states that I keep my eyes on you.” Lucienne holds her hands behind her back as she takes her stance.

“By all means, keep your eyes - hey what’s that?!” You gawk as you point behind Lucienne.

Lucienne snaps her head around to look at what you were so surprised by. She doesn’t see or sense anything when she does. It’s about two seconds of her searching before she realizes that she has been duped. When she turns around the door is swinging shut and you are nowhere to be seen. She slams the door open and only sees the last of your figure disappearing on the horizon.

You’re still giggling to yourself about pulling off that little trick when you reach the ocean of the Dreaming. The little wooden dock creaks under your weight as you skip across it. Having done this traveling before, you jump right in with a squeal, holding your nose close so you don’t get any water in.

The water pushes and pulls but you don’t fight the current knowing that it will take you where you wanted to go. When you emerge, you cough once and the water falls off your body, leaving you dry in cloudy 1916 England. You wrap your blazer closer to your body as the wind picks up and leave the alleyway. The familiar smell of roasted peanuts from street vendors and car fumes tickles your nose when you turn the corner to walk into the hospital.

“Hi, I’m here to visit Genny, uh, Geniveve, Geniveve Colemen,” You correct yourself to the receptionist. The woman nods and looks down at her computer.

“She’s in the same room, 443. Here’s your visitor’s pass.” She hands you a laminated badge on a lanyard.

You thank her before wearing the lanyard and going towards the nearest elevator. The elevator smelled of shoe polish and disinfectant spray and it made your nose crinkle. You just hope the smell doesn’t transfer onto your clothes.

When you reach your destination, you knock on Genny’s door before entering. She wears her hospital gown and was reading a book when she looks up. A smile pasters onto her face when she sees you.

“Y/N!” She drops her book and sits up straighter.

“Genny!” You exclaim back with the same amount of excitement. You place your basket by her bed before pulling out a fresh vase of flowers and setting it by her bedside table.

“I feel like I haven’t seen you in forever, what have you been up to?” She asks.

“Yeah, my mother took me to some private tutor to help me study for my tests,” You lie through your teeth as you fluff the flowers to make them look more appealing.

You tuck your school skirt underneath you when you sit down next to Genny and reach for your basket again. “I brought you some homebaked goods. I know this hospital’s food has got to be horrendous.”

You bring out the baked loaf of bread you bought the day before and rip off a slice for her. She takes the loaf and inhales the scent.

“Gosh, Y/N, I don’t know how you make such good baked goods. Your husband will be a lucky one if you stop trying to chase them off.” She giggles and muffles through her full mouth.

You laugh with her, sparing her the details of your actual life. You bring forth the lie you had carefully planted yourself as instead. A straight-A student that goes to the same school as Genny before she was diagnosed with cancer, how you were her best friend that visited her when you got the chance, how you had gotten onto the school council and despite all of her poking and prodding, she would not get to know what the school formal’s dance theme is going to be unless she went with you tomorrow to the dance. You try not to think about how frail she has gotten since the first time you’ve met her. Her collarbones were poking out and you can see how hard it was for her to take even breaths.

When she asks you again later in the visit about the school dance you rebuttal quickly.

“Are you going to come to the dance with me?” You laugh. “Speaking of which, I got you a dress, too!” You go back to your basket, pulling out a formal dress, and setting it in front of Genny.

“Wow! Look at the bead stitching,” She says, running a delicate finger over the beading and gems then over the lacing.

“I’ve got a good eye, don’t I?” You sit back down with a smile and a tilt of the head. “It matches my dress, too.”

“What about your own date?”

“Oh, please, I don’t have time for boys!” You giggle again, hiding behind the lie that you don’t actually go to her school.

“Oh alright, I suppose I must go to the dance with you so you won’t be lonely.” Genny surrenders.

You smile at her, happy she finally agreed. “You’re a great friend.”

Genny coughs after your compliment and you’re quick to reach for the water and hand it over to her. When she sits up to drink you go to fluff her pillow. Genny lays back down with a sigh and all of the warmth that was in the room leaves through the window. She looks like she’s aged when she looks at you again, another cough crawling its way past her throat.

“I’ll leave you to rest,” You say, turning around to grab your things.

“No,” Genny refuses. “Can you stay for a little bit longer?” She coughs again and holds your hand weakly. “I want to feel like a normal girl for a little while longer.”

“Okay,” You whisper and sit back down, feeling the chill of the hospital around your ankles.

You watch over her as she falls asleep, the conversation taking the last of her energy. You begin to stare off into space, thinking about your life. You did your best with the gift of immortality, but as you stare at Genny’s tense face, you wish you could do more. Equal as an Endless, more than a human, yet less than a god. Where did you even belong? The question has haunted you since you first saw humanity rise into power.

Your thoughts leave you when you feel the beating of wings and a flush of wind from the door. Your head snaps and you see your sister standing there in her black tank top and the same combats boots you wore.

“Sister Death,” You greet with a small smile, previous thoughts disappearing. “What brings you here today?”

Your sister only smiles at you. Your excitement of seeing your sister again is soon taken over by dread. You look between your sister and your friend and the dots connect.

“Oh... what? No!” You stand abruptly between your sister and Genny. “No! She still has so much to do in life!” You try to reason with her.

“You cannot bargain with me, Defiance. You know that,” She says in her soft voice.

“I don’t care,” Your lips form into a line. “At least let her go to the dance with me?” You try one more time.

Death sighs with exaggeration. “Fine, but not an hour more.”

“Thanks…” You’re not entirely sure how you managed to pull that off, unbeknownst to you that your sister has a soft spot for you much like Dream.

Your sister looks you up and down before she leans on the door. “So how are you doing, then?”

You look off to the side when you answer. “Fine,” You grumble out.

She lets out a huff, or perhaps a laugh, you can’t really tell. “Would you like to go on a walk with me?”

It was a tempting offer, after all, you haven’t spent time with your sister in a while. You thought about it for a little while longer. “No,” You end up refusing.

“Genny asked me to stay a little while longer, so I shall.” You turn away from your sister and sit back down in the uncomfortable hospital chair. You keep your head straight, looking after Genny, and don’t take your eyes off her even when you hear your sister departing.

When she does, a tremble runs over your body. You feel tears prick at your lashline as you come to terms with the fact that your friend will be dying soon. You did your best to prevent the inevitable, but with no powers of your own, it’s only a waiting game now.

You leave when visiting hours are over, Genny has yet to wake up from her nap. You leave the rest of the loaf on her bedside table, and a slice of your apple pie. You decide to tidy up the room as quietly as you can and hang her dress on the hook that was nailed to the wall. With one final look at her, you leave, only hoping that your sister doesn’t go back on her word and take her before her allotted time.

You spend the rest of the evening in the waking world, catching up on new things the humans have done with their time. You end your day on a park bench, illuminated only by a single street lamp. The park was quiet, you’re only accompanied by the sound of crickets and the wind along the trees. You take in a deep breath of fresh air. Oh, how you have missed this. If only it was closer to summer vacation, you would’ve taken Genny to the beach and had some sun time with her.

When you are done relaxing you go to the pond at the center of the park, the fountain in the middle still squirting out water and creating magnificent shapes and splashes along the surface. You could see the stars' reflection rippling as you peer at the lake over a bridge. The wind blows and you close your eyes to savor the moment.

“I wouldn’t jump if that’s what you’re thinking,” Someone says next to you.

You open your eyes and turn to see a man standing next to you, no older than 20. He takes off his hat when you speak.

“I wasn’t, but thank you,” You reply simply and go back to looking out towards the expanding city. He doesn’t leave your side despite your answer and it gets a bit awkward.

“Are you thinking of jumping? Because I would also not recommend that, sir,” You turn to him again and see him laughing.

“No,” He says. “I am just here to think.”

“Just like me then. What bothers your mortal mind?” You ask.

“Many things… I’m afraid I have let my family down.”

“How so?”

“We came here on a boat from the motherland, nothing to our name but a few pennies. I was supposed to go to college and finally put our family on the map. But I failed and now here I am, talking to a stranger on a bridge in the middle of the night.”

You laugh along with him. You knew of him and saw his dreams a few times when you went out exploring in the Dreaming. He wanted to be a doctor, specifically an athletic injuries doctor but failed out of medical school before he even got the chance. You rack your brain to think of his name, and when it comes to you, you speak.

“Do not worry, Albert Brocken, I’m sure there are many opportunities that will come alight in the near horizon. Perhaps you should take the entrance exam again, and see where it takes you.” You yawn and you realize that you should probably start heading home.

“Yeah… maybe I should,” He concludes with a sigh. “I think I might go into somnology,” He says more to himself than you.

“Somnology sounds fascinating,” You agree. “I must go home now, but best of luck to you!” You walk away, your shoes barely audible on the stone bridge over the gushing fountain. Albert doesn’t look your way when you depart, too focused on his new goal in life.

You find yourself standing before an old winding cottonwood tree in the same park. It’s been here for years, growing into the magnificent tree it is today. It’s passed by thousands of England residents almost every day, yet none of them are willing to stare at it hard enough to realize that the bark of the tree isn’t real.

You take one last look around the park to make sure no one else sees you before walking straight into the tree, the danging leaves caressing you like a gentle mother’s touch. The trunk of the tree turns into a curtain of falling sand and you pass through with no problems. When you emerge on the other side, the bright moon of the Dreaming greets you, illuminating and basking you in a soft welcome. When you come back into the castle, Lucienne is on top of you like a hot iron.

“Thank the Gods you are well,” She panics as she holds your arms. After taking a good overall look at you, she wraps her arms around your body and brings you into a hug.

“Lucienne?” Your question muffled against her crisp uniform. “What’s going on?”

“Oh, my dear, you hadn’t come back all day. I thought perhaps…” She trails off before she takes a breath. “Lord Morpheus hasn’t returned, and neither had you, so I presumed the worst.”

“Morpheus hasn’t returned?”

“No, but you are here. Tell me, did you see him while you were in the waking world today?” Lucienne holds hope in her eyes and you resent the next word you say.

“No,” Your thoughts trailed off. “Morpheus hasn’t returned?” You ask again.

“I am sure there is nothing to worry about. I may just be overthinking is all.” Lucienne reassures you.

“Okay…” You don’t completely believe her, somewhere deep inside you you can feel that Morpheus is in danger. As the King of Dreams and Nightmares, a rouge nightmare shouldn’t be anything to be worried about. He should be home by now.

Your eyes close as soon as your head hits the pillow, but thoughts consume you. After the dance tomorrow night with Genny, you will go searching for your brother. The following day came quickly and you paced back and forth in the castle hall, the formal dress you had on jingling with your movements. Your thoughts were in overdrive, there was Morpheus of course, but you also knew that tonight was going to be Genny’s last day. And knowing that puts a weight on your shoulders. You have to make sure that tonight is going to be the best night of her life.

When the time came, you went to the waking world feeling dolled up and in an antique car with the roof down. Your hair had enough hairspray to survive a storm from Zeus himself. You pull up to the hospital in a screech, Genny already waiting for you in the lobby. You check your lipstick in the mirror one last time before Genny reaches your car.

“You know how to drive?!” Genny says with a smile and excitement that you found contagious.

You resecure the silk scarf that protected your hair from the wind and open a pair of sunglasses to put over your eyes. You look at her over the bridge of your nose, your eyes shining past the sunglasses before stepping on the gas pedal.

“I know how to do many things, sweet Genny!” You shout over the wind, pushing the glasses back to their original position.

Each time you looked over at Genny, her smile still hadn’t faltered and the last bits of the sun’s rays caught on the embroidery of her dress. Her softness brings a smile to your face and for a moment you forget about your brother.

You pull into the gravel driveway of the school formal’s destination. You had managed to weasel your way into the school council and they were able to get help from the local people. The theme for this year's dance was “A Magical Night” and a local citizen opened his manor to the students for the night. He called himself a mage, something that you rolled your eyes at as magic has been rare in this world since the faeries left it half a century ago. But you kept that to yourself, if he wanted to play make-believe, then so let him.

Students were already lining up outside the decorated manor when the two of you arrived. You hand your keys off to a valet and walk towards the door, hand in hand with Genny. Her excitement buzzed through her like a shot of tequila.

When you cross over the threshold of the manor you are genuinely surprised at the decorations of the place. The ballroom had been cleared out and a live band was playing music for students to dance to. There was a bar on the far end of the ballroom serving drinks and small snacks. A doorman takes your jacket away from you before you grab Genny’s hand and head to the dance floor.

Many of Genny’s old friends soon recognize her and start to surround you two, the night is still young and the sound of laughter soon fills the air. You and Genny danced the night away until you both were sweaty and out of breath. Your make-up had gone a bit smudged but you didn’t mind. It was nearing midnight when most of the students started to leave and you pulled Genny away for one last surprise.

Genny started to slow down a bit, the exercise of the dance sapping away her energy. She pulls through though and follows you to a winding staircase that leads to one of the roofs of the manor. The spring air chills you to your bone, but it is well received after the sweat you have built up. You help Genny sit down before you sit down next to her, the shingles of the roof poking through your dress in an uncomfortable way.

A satisfied sigh leaves your lips when you look out to the vast countryside behind the manor. The stars twinkle as far as the eyes can see and from your advantage point, no trees are blocking the view either. Genny pants beside you as she calms herself down from the climb and leans her head against your shoulder.

“I am so glad you made me come to this dance,” She whispers as she looks out to the stars.

“Me too,” You agree, you begin the absentmindedly swing your legs back and forth. Your heels come loose and slip from your feet and both you and Genny laugh at it.

“Gosh, I hope that didn’t hit anyone,” She continues to laugh as she cautiously peers over the side.

“Or else they’d have to smell my stinky feet, ewww!” You continue her joke.

Her laugh turns into a cough and your mood shifts to melancholy.

A shift in the winds tells you that her time will soon be up. “Genny,” You start. “My sister is going to be here soon.”

“Oh, really? I didn’t know you had a sister.”

“Yes, I have a huge family actually.”

“Well, tell me about your sister,” She smiles, head feeling heavier as she puts her full weight on your shoulder.

“She is really sweet, and a soft, kind-hearted soul. Just like you, I suppose.” You say.

Genny doesn’t reply and tears prick your eyes. When you turn your head you see Genny standing up with a smile, yet her body still remains on your shoulder. Behind her stands your sister, a reassuring smile and a gentle hand rest around Genny in a side hug.

“Your sister says that she’ll take great care of me,” She starts and looks at Death with a solemn smile. “Will she?”

“Yeah, she’s one of the best…” Your voice dips into a murmur as you feel your lips tremble.

Your answer is enough for her and she turns to leave. She seems to have remembered something as she turns back around and wraps her hands around your shoulders, her ghostly figure slightly falling through your physical form.

“I’ll see you again, right?” Genny asks, hope lines her figure and you can’t bear to see it fade.

“Yes,” You lie through your teeth. “Good-bye.”

She turns to leave with your sister, blissfully unaware of your last farewell. The sound of Death’s beating wings was the last thing you heard before it was just the barren countryside again. Genny’s body grows cold by your side as you pet her hair for the last time.

The manor staff came soon when you faked a scream and soon ambulances came and went with her body. You’re left in the aftermath of a romantic dream of confection and ribbons alone in the middle of the dance floor feeling numb.

“Hey, lady, if you’re going to stand here moping you can at least help out,” A staff member calls out and you snap out of your thoughts.

He hands you a few foldable chairs and tells you to put them up. You nodded along, not really having much else to do. You meander through the halls when you realize that he didn’t tell you where to put the chairs. It’s when you find yourself at a set of stairs that lead down towards the basement. And to you, it made all logical sense for humans to store their things in the basement.

You open the heavy double doors and descend further into the musky basement. Candles were lit on the stairs and its melted wax coats the edges as it lightens the path. When you get to the bottom, you’re greeted by the host of the party that you met earlier in the night.

“What are you doing here, girl!” He scolds.

You hold up the chairs, unaware of his tone. “Hi, Mr. Burgess. I’m helping with clearing up after the dan…” Your final word trails off as your eyes wander past his figure.

Behind him sits your brother and your jaw drops. Mr. Burgess tries to stand between you and him when he notices that your attention is no longer on him. Dream stands fully in his glass prison and you would have made fun of the fact that he was fully rocking out in his birthday suit if not for the situation at hand.

“Oh, what the fuck,” You whisper, dropping the chairs.

You breeze past Mr. Burgess and stand before Morpheus. Golden runes that surround his prison stop you short as if there was some sort of invisible force field. Your head whips around and faces your host again. He stands tall as he stares back.

“Why do you have my brother in a-a… fucking FISH BOWL!” Your words stumble out at the utter audacity of the situation, your hands moving around expressively.

Realization dawns on him and you realize that you made a mistake. “So, you are one of his family. That man warned me about your kind. Which one are you.” He seethes as he walks towards you.

“You face Defiance of the Endless,” You spit back at him.

You were in no mood to play, first, your friend dies in your arms and then you learn that Lucienne’s suspicions were right and that something did happen to your brother. This whole time he had been here under your feet while you were having fun. His clothes, tools, and dignity stripped from him as you drank enough sparkling cocktails to make Dionysus jealous.

The man scoffs at you and spits at your feet. “Oh please, and I thought that it was going to be hard. I’ve heard of you, little girl. They told me that you are nothing, a nobody. You have no realm, no powers, you are barely a god.”

You stay silent as he speaks, rage flushes through your body and your muscles tremble. His words rang true, but here you shall stand for your brother. He advances on you and you find that you have nowhere to go. A sharp pain burns across your cheek as his pierced cane comes into contact with your skin.

Your body follows the force as it throws you off balance. Your head cracks against the stone floor of the basement and a gasp leaves you. Your vision blurs from the hit and you feel warm blood sliding down your cheek like an unshed tear. In the distance of your mind, you hear Dream slamming his fist against his glass prison. You stand again, determined to not be bested by a mere mortal.

His cane comes down again like a whip, hitting your shins and then once again on the back of your knees. The blow forces you to kneel before him, and your cries of pain echo in your head. The coarse floor scratches at your palm but you keep your breath as even as you can.

“Is that all you got?” You sneer as you look up at him through your eyelashes.

His foot comes towards your face and you squeeze your eyes shut right before the impact follows. Your body tumbles further away from Dream, but his slamming continues. You feel the wall behind you, its surface cooling down your heating body.

“Stop, I command you to stop!” Morpheus shouts, command muffled.

“Dream of the Endless commands you to stop,” You repeat your brother's words. You use the wall to brace yourself to stand on wobbling legs.

Iron fills your mouth and you spit it out back at Burgess’ feet, much like he did to you before. You grin when you see him grimace at the act. You wipe your mouth clean with the back of your hand, very unladylike, but between the three of you, who is going to judge?

A backhanded slap snaps your head to the side and another painful scream follows.

“Stop! Cease yourself or face my wrath!” Dream continues to scream as your vision blurs again.

“No, I can take it,” Your voice is coarse but the message is heard loud and clear.

“Oh, you can take it, hmm?” Burgess taunts and his cane jabs into your abdomen.

You feel like you couldn’t breathe, that no matter how much your mouth gaped open, oxygen didn’t fill in your lungs as you needed it to.

“I can take it,” You wheeze out again, another hit forces you back down and this time you don’t have the strength to get up again.

“I suppose one step higher than capturing an Endless is to kill one,” Burgess laughs on top of you. His heavy body straddles you and you feel his hands wrap around your neck.

Black dots swarm your vision like the expanding universe. Your nails claw at his hands, drawing blood, as your body tries its best to fight back. Burgess picks you up by the neck and slams your back down, stars waltz behind your eyelids and a brief vision of home comforts you. A ragged breath crawls through your throat before another slam into the ground silences you. Despite your efforts, your hands grow limp and you feel your body start to break down. It flakes away like spring cherry blossom petals as you take your last breath.

“No!” Dream’s scream is the last thing you hear.

Your consciousness fades to black and it is quiet for once. It’s odd to think that an immortal being can die, but it’s true. The only thing that differentiates it is that you could be reborn. Immortality is a fickle thing.

When you come back into consciousness, you can feel the Dreaming heal your soul. It wraps its warmth around you like a soft blanket and you finally feel safe enough to stop everything that ran through your mind. When you stretch out your limbs you realize that you weren’t in your human form anymore.

Your perception spans further and you can see new angles you haven’t seen before through your eyes. You wiggle your toes, or what you thought were your toes and feel soft and fertilizing soil below you. When you look down you notice that your legs have turned into the soft bark of a willow tree. Your arms shake and the reaching leaves of the tree shake from the action. You sigh and your bark groans and creeks under your deflation.

You soon become a welcomed resident in Fiddler’s Green, providing shade for the decreasing amount of dreamers that come to visit you. As the years pass, the Dreaming starts to die around you as Morpheus stays entrapped under the Burgess Manor. You stay as a tree, unable to move and help. Guilt eats you alive, leaving your core to rot from the inside out.

Lucienne comes to visit now and then, but as the castle starts to fall apart, she can’t find the time to come by anymore. Your days grow lonelier as Fiddler’s Green decides to leave the Dreaming as well. You stand on dry soil in a barren wasteland. Your inaction keeping you hostage like a ladybug in a spiderweb. The more you struggled, the harder you found it to keep your human consciousness.

So, you did the most human you could think of: you cried. Fitting, you thought to yourself, a weeping willow, well, weeping. Your tears came to fruition in the form of vibrant yellow blossoming flowers against the beige and cracking surroundings.

You stayed like that for the next 106 years. Your roots had grown so long that you could feel each corner of the dreaming, searching high and low for water to drink from. Soon, even that would run out. Another tear runs down your bark, your trunk growing deep grooves where the previous century of tears had carved. Despite all odds, your leaves were still vibrant and your flowers would change colors based on your mood. A trick that took you a few decades to learn.

The moon rises higher and higher over the horizon. You follow its path, counting the fragments to keep your mind from boredom. It split in half 15 years after Dream’s capture and every five years or so, another fragment separates from the moon. You counted 18 fragments this time around, the same as the day before, and the week before that. You yawn, the bark shaking as you do so and close your eyes to rest.

You wake to a soft hand on your bark just as dawn cracks. Your leaves shake in surprise as someone touches you. It takes a moment to reorientate yourself and when you look down from your height your breath hitches.

“Sister?” Dream calls out, his hand still on your bark.

Relief floods your system just as a soft breeze runs its fingers through your thin leaves. Your catkin flowers caress his skin when he smiles at you. Just as fast as relief has found you, guilt consumes you again. Morpheus has escaped, it had taken him 106 years and all you have done is stand here and do nothing. Your branches groan again, more flowers blooming in its wake as you weep again, and the individual petals turn a deep blue color.

Dream grabs one of your leaves gently as it tries to recede from his touch. “Y/N,” He calls out carefully. “I do not blame you for what happened 106 years ago.”

“I am touched by your sacrifice.” He pauses as he picks his next words carefully. “You were the only one who came to my side when I needed it.”

You still stay quiet but your petals slowly start to return to their yellow colors. Morpheus takes this as a good sign and continues.

“I love you, dear sister, I wish for you to never doubt that. If only I could give you a hug for all that you had done for me,” He prods and extends both of his hands outwards.

You purse your non-existent lips in thought, a very tempting offer. Why not try one more time, to be by your brother’s side? Your bark groans again and you concentrate. You try to remember the details of your human body. How did your hair look? How did you hold yourself? Did you have a mole on this side of your face?

Your leaves and branches start to shake and shrink in on themselves the more you think. You call in your roots and start to wiggle your toes. You think of your fingers and how they had done so much for you: the paintings you made, the pastries you baked. One last tear escapes down your raw skin and when you open your eyes again, you are looking at Dream through new eyes.

Morpheus comes into your space and wraps his steadying arms around you. You sob into his jacket until it becomes uncomfortable. Your throat is raw when you’re finally reduced to hiccups. Through it all, Dream is holding onto you, gently caressing your hair the way you have liked since you were born.

“I like this new hair of yours,” He comments as he pulls at a few strands of your hair. It’s longer this time around and kept the same emotional properties your flowers had. It changes from blue to green as your mood shifts.

“Great, now I can’t hide my emotions anymore.” You mutter weakly to yourself as it changes to red at your slight annoyance.

Dream chuckles above you and gives you one final tight squeeze.

“Welcome home, sister,” He whispers. You take a deep breath, letting it fill your lungs thoroughly.

“Yes, I am home.”

I did a surprising amount of research for this fic. Apparently, the first woman to attain a driver's license was like in 1900 so that's why Genny was so surprised you could drive. Also, I would not recommend driving in a 1916 vehicle? Looks like it could explode at any minute.

This was a request! And requests are open, just go to my page and hit that button to submit one.

If you do submit a request, it may take me a bit to get to them just because of the nature of it and my classes are starting to get ready for finals. (Your girl is graduating this semester woohoo!)

I will see you in the next fic!

♡ Yours, Layla

#save #definitely saving this one #talented brilliant incredible amazing show stopping spectacular never the same totally unique #completely not ever been done before #dream of the endless #the sandman #morpheus x reader #dream x reader #the sandman fanfic #the sandman x reader #dream of the endless x reader #sandman x reader #morpheus #siblings

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